India, April 23 -- The terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of at least 26 tourists on April 22, 2025, has stunned the nation. This is one of the largest attacks on civilians in the Kashmir Valley since the 1990s. Despite the prolonged unrest in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), tourists have rarely been targeted by terrorists since such actions adversely affect the local economy. The attack came against the backdrop of US Vice President JD Vance's visit to India, a booming tourist season, and ahead of the Amarnath Yatra that is due to commence in July. The attack is a message to the local and global audience and aimed at undermining the perception of normalcy in J&K.

There is a likely connection between the Pahalgam terror attack ...